You might have general questions about the diagnosis or symptoms of dementia. Perhaps you’re interested in the treatments currently available, or the risk factors for developing the condition. You will find the answers in these pages.

Meet the scientists at free public event to raise dementia awareness

Scientists from Yorkshire are inviting the public to a free meeting in Sheffield on 30 September, to find out more about current dementia research.

Scientists from Yorkshire are inviting the public to a free meeting in Sheffield on 30 September, to find out more about current dementia research. The meeting will involve a series of talks from local experts, sharing their work on this complex condition that affects nearly 70,000 people in Yorkshire. The meeting is organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Yorkshire Research Network, a community of scientists working to research the condition across Sheffield, Leeds, York and Hull.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, funding research into the causes of dementia, diagnosis, preventions and treatments. They currently fund more than £22m of dementia research across the UK, including over £500,000 of pioneering science in Yorkshire. This investment is being used to understand a wide range of complex problems, including the build-up of toxic proteins in dementia and how best to diagnose the condition. The research experts want to share their findings with the local community, to help people better understand the brain changes that occur in Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The event will include several talks, including Prof Paul Ince, Head of Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield. He will give important insights into the different forms of dementia, while Dr Daniel Blackburn will discuss strategies to prevent the condition. Prof Gail Mountain will highlight approaches to living well with dementia and there will be plenty of opportunity for the audience to ask any questions they have. In addition to the free talks, there will also be a screening of the film ‘Alive Inside’, a moving documentary about living and improving communication in people with dementia. Tickets for the film, which will start at 6.30pm, can be purchased from The Showroom online in advance or on the day for £5.90-£8.10.

Prof Annalena Venneri is Head of the Translational Neuropsychology Group at the University of Sheffield and leads its clinical dementia team. She said:

“It is essential that people understand more about this cruel condition that affects so many people. This means we must inform the community about current research as well as potential prevention strategies and ways to live well with the condition. I am delighted to be part of a team that is working hard to defeat dementia and raise awareness through events like this. Please do come along and ask as many questions as you have.”

“Over 6,000 people in Sheffield are living with dementia and there is also an army of informal carers who work tirelessly to support loved ones. We are working hard to not only find a cure for dementia but also reduce the stigma associated with this condition. Helping people understand more about dementia is crucial. Events like this in Sheffield are a great opportunity for the community to understand more about of the effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and to learn about the research that is taking place in their local area.”
The free event will take place from 5-6.30pm on Tuesday 30 September at The Showroom and Workstation Cafe, Paternoster Row, Sheffield. Places are free but must be reserved in advance from Lorraine Henery on 0114 2722848 or l.henery@sheffield.ac.uk.